En tant que voix des travaux publics du Canada représentant plus de 2000 membres de plus de 450 municipalités, l’Association canadienne des travaux publics (ACTP) et ses membres souhaitent collaborer avec le gouvernement fédéral en vue de trouver des solutions et de mettre en oeuvre des stratégies pour augmenter la sensibilisation et la reconnaissance des travaux publics comme intervenants pendant la planification, l’intervention, le rétablissement et l’atténuation d’une pandémie de grippe.

CPWA has issued the following position statement on the role of public works during a pandemic.

As the voice of public works in Canada representing more than 2,000 members, from over 450 municipalities, the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) and its members are interested in working with the federal government to find solutions and implement strategies that increase awareness and recognition of public works as stakeholders during the planning, response, recovery and mitigation of a pandemic flu outbreak.

The entire position statement is available in the attached document. The statement is also available in French.

Linda J. Petelka, B.Sc., Acting Director of Business and Technical Services, Public Works Department in the Region of Halton, Ontario, has been appointed to the eight-member Board of Directors of the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) representing the Ontario Public Works Association (OPWA). Each member of the CPWA Board of Directors is appointed by his or her respective Chapter to serve on the national Board.

The eight CPWA Chapters represent more than 2,000 public agencies, private sector companies and individual members throughout Canada. As “the voice of public works in Canada,” the CPWA Board of Directors is dedicated to advancing public works and speaking out on issues that affect the environment, emergency management, infrastructure, economic development, sustainability, skilled workforce demands, and other public works related concerns. CPWA also works to raise the public awareness of public works through programs such as the CPWA National Public Works Week (NPWW) awards program.

A press release is attached:

CPWA President W. Gary Losier, P.Eng has accepted an invitation from the House of Commons Finance Committee to appear before the Committee to provide input during a pre-budget briefing on October 26th, 2009 in Ottawa.

Mr. Losier will provide CPWA’s recommendation for future spending initiatives as well as feedback from CPWA membership concerning the effectiveness of stimulus measures that were announced in Budget 2009.

“Our written brief provided to the Committee in August provided a recommendation that to enhance the effectiveness of the Government of Canada’s investment in infrastructure it is important to have access to a body of expert opinion and infrastructure research. Therefore, a well-executed national strategy for infrastructure should include long-term, predictable and sustained funding for the National Round Table on Sustainable Infrastructure” said Mr. Losier. “We are looking for the funding and support to make the Round Table a reality for the long term.”

“I am sure that members of the Committee will also want to hear how our CPWA membership views the economic stimulus programs for infrastructure and we will have some feedback on those programs and issues as well. I look forward to CPWA’s opportunity to provide input to the Committee – our members have first-hand knowledge as practitioners of these programs.”

Mr. Losier is the Director of Public Works, Town of Quispamsis, New Brunswick. As President of CPWA, he leads the Canadian Public Works Association Board of Directors and represents the 2,000-plus members of CPWA throughout Canada.

A copy of the CPWA submission to the House of Commons Finance Committee can be reached using the link below:

Larry Koehle, P.Eng. MPA, Director of Public Works and Engineering for the Town of Caledon, Ontario has been named President of the American Public Works Association (APWA).

Koehle was elected by the association’s 29,000 members, which includes over 2,000 members located in Canada.

As President, Koehle will lead the American Public Works Association and the Board of Directors during the 2009-2010 term.

Koehle's public works and municipal government career spans more than 40 years. His experience includes his service as the Commissioner of Public Works for the City of Brampton, Ontario, from which he retired in 2000. Prior to working in his current position with the Town of Caledon, Koehle served as Vice President, Infrastructure, ASI Technologies, Inc., in Brampton, Ontario.

A seasoned leader, Koehle has held leadership positions at both the chapter and national levels of APWA, serving on the national Board of Directors since 2003, and has been a member of APWA for 35 years.

His service includes serving as the Ontario Chapter President, Chapter Delegate, and Chair of the House of Delegates. At the national level, he has served on the Nominating Committee, Awards Committee, Audit Committee, House of Delegates Executive Committee (Chair 1999-2000), Membership Committee (Chair 2006-2007) and the Finance Committee (Chair, 2007-2008).

His Worship Régis Labeaume, Mayor of 400 year-old Québec City, was the keynote speaker for the 2009 CPWA Annual Luncheon at Congress. CPWA President Gary Losier introduced the Mayor to a crowd of 100 international attendees from Canada, the US, and Australia.

Speaking to the crowd, the Mayor paid tribute to Québec City’s colonial history and also spoke to the modern reinvestment and innovation in infrastructure that were a part of the rebuilding of Québec City’s harbor area for its 400th Anniversary. The Mayor shared, a bit “tongue in cheek”, that “federal dollars became more plentiful when you have a big anniversary” to celebrate.

As the newly-elected Mayor of Québec City during the days before the anniversary celebration, the Mayor was a leader who quickly became acquainted with implementing large scale projects.

Another highlight of the CPWA Luncheon is the annual National Public Works Week Awards announcement. This year, five municipalities received honors in the awards program.

CPWA is honored to announce the CPWA National Public Works Week awards program winners for 2009.

A total of 17 entries were received from small to metro-sized municipalities that celebrated National Public Works Week in Canada this past May. Highlights of the municipal programs included public open houses, public displays, primary and secondary school visits, high school career counseling, public tours, equipment displays and contests.

Awards Committee Chair Paul Smeltzer of Burlington, ON commented that the entries were outstanding and showed immense creativity in promoting public works not only as a valuable service to the community, but also as a profession and career choice.

Winners included:

First Time Entry Award: Town of Whitby, Ontario

Small Centre Award: City of Côte Saint-Luc, Québec

Medium Centre Award: Town of Whitby, Ontario

Large Centre Award: City of Brampton, Ontario

Metro Centre Award: City of Mississauga, Ontario

CPWA will present the awards to the winning municipalities at a local city council or other event in their own community.

Congratulations and a certificate of appreciation will be sent to all municipalities who participated.

Ric Robertshaw, CPWA's Representative to the National Roundtable on Sustainable Infrastructure, recently contributed to an article published in the July/August issue of ReNew Canada which focuses on the need for a National Roundtable on Sustainable Infrastructure.

The article, co-authored by Wally Wells and Reg Andres, makes an argument for the Roundtable and its support by industry and government.

Follow the link to the article in the July/August issue of ReNew Canada magazine:

INFC has issued the second edition of its new e-Newsletter, Creating Jobs: Delivering Results.

You may read the english version of the e-Newsletter by opening the link below:

Linda J. Petelka, B.Sc., Acting Director of Business and Technical Services, Public Works Department, Region of Halton, Ontario, and an APWA 2009 Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year was recently honored at luncheon in Mississauga, Ontario.

Canadian Public Works Association President W. Gary Losier of New Brunswick and APWA President-Elect Larry Koehle of Ontario were among the guests at the event held to honor Ms. Petelka's achievements in public works. Also attending were local public officials, Linda's co-workers, and CPWA Ontario Chapter representatives.

APWA annually recognizes 10 of the most outstanding public works professionals from across the U.S. and Canada for their professionalism, expertise and career-long dedication and service. Marking the 50th anniversary of the award, the distinction is among the most coveted and prestigious presented by the Association.

Petelka is the first woman as a Canadian citizen to receive APWA’s Top Ten Public Works Leader of the Year Award in the award’s 50-year history.

The Canadian Public Works Association announces the Call for Submissions for the 2009 CPWA National Public Works Week Award.

This award is for Canadian municipalities, agencies, or organizations who celebrated the recent May 17-23, 2009 National Public Works Week by hosting events that highlighted public works.

The 2009 NPWW Awards will be made in the following five categories: first-time entry, small centre, medium centre, large centre, and metropolitan centre. Population guidelines for these categories are noted on the linked general information and criteria for judging below. First-time entries should be noted as such and will be entered in the first-time entry category.

If your agency, jurisdiction or city celebrated NPWW this year, we encourage you to submit an application. Attached you will find the rating criteria used by evaluating committee when reviewing submissions. It will be helpful in assisting you as you compile information about your event. General information and criteria for judging submissions for the award are available in English and French on the link below.

Winners in each category will be awarded an award plaque which a CPWA Representative will present at a Town Hall/City Council meeting or other event hosted by the winning municipality.


Deadlines for submission are: July 15th, 2009.

To enter, please submit your event summary in quadruplicate (4 copies) and mail so to be received by July 15th, 2009 to:

Gail Ann Clark, Canadian Public Works Association, 1401 K Street, 11th Floor, Washington, DC 20005, USA

Should you have questions regarding your award submission, please contact gclark@apwa.net or (202) 218-6732.

We look forward to your submissions!

Paul Smeltzer, Chairman, National Public Works Week, Canadian Public Works Association

Infrastructure Canada est fière d’annoncer le lancement de le nouveau cyberbulletin, Créer des emplois : Des résultats concrets.

"Ce bulletin présentera de l’information sur le plan d’infrastructure Chantiers Canada, les progrès réalisés et les résultats obtenus. Nous sommes ravis de communiquer des renseignements concernant ce plan historique aux Canadiens, en particulier aux principaux intervenants et dirigeants des organisations provinciales, territoriales et municipales, et aux personnes participant à la recherche, à la planification et au développement relatifs à l’infrastructure."

Pour recevoir le bulletin électronique de Créer des emplois : Des résultats concrets par courriel:

Infrastructure Canada has released a new e-Newsletter entitled Creating Jobs, Delivering Results intended update subscribers on investment in infrastructure and other related issues.

CPWA encourages CPWA Members to access the attached link and subscribe to the free e-Newsletter. The information is provided in English and French.

According to INFC, the e-Newsletter is intended to report to Canadians on "the steps that the Government of Canada is taking to accelerate infrastructure funding and stimulate the economy through the infrastructure components of Canada's Economic Action Plan. The Government of Canada is working with provinces, territories and municipalities to speed up project funding, streamline approvals and get shovels in the ground faster. "

The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P. has relayed his Greetings for National Public Works Week 2009 which will be celebrated on May 17 - 23, 2009 throughout Canada.

"The week of May 17 - 23, 2009, provides an opportunity for all Canadians to recognize the professional contributions of men and women across the country who design, build, operate and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. This year’s theme — Revitalize, Reinvest and Renew — is a fitting tie-in to the Government of Canada’s new investments in infrastructure. Public works professionals will play an invaluable role in developing and implementing infrastructure projects that will help build a stronger economy, a cleaner environment and more prosperous, safer communities."

A copy of Prime Minister Harper's letter (English/Francais) is attached for your review. The letter and a photo of the Prime Minister can be forwarded to you by e-mail at your request. Please contact Gail Clark for a copy at gclark@apwa.net

National Public Works Week is celebrated in the United States during the same week of May 17-23, 2009.

Saskatchewan has designated the week of May 17-23, 2009 as National Public Works Week in the Province. In the announcement letter, Minister of Government Services Dan D'Autremont commented on the work of the APWA Saskatchewan Chapter as below:

"As Minister of Government Services, I am well aware of the valuable work of public work professionals in our communities. I appreciate the activities of the Saskatchewan Chapter of the Canadian Public Works Association does to promote public awareness of the importance of quality public works in our day to day lives."

A copy of the certificate designating Public Works Week is attached.

APWA has named Linda J. Petelka, Manager of Business and Infrastructure Services, Region of Halton, ON, as one of the Top Ten Public Works Leaders for 2009. Ms. Petelka was selected as one of a group of ten outstanding leaders in public works in North America.

APWA's most coveted and prestigious "Top Ten Public Works Leader" designation is bestowed upon honorees who are carefully selected for their professionalism, expertise, leadership, and their personal dedication to improving the quality of life in their community through advancement of public works services and technology.

A summary of Ms. Petelka's many contributions to public works and infrastructure are outlined in the attached document.

Manitoba Premier Gary Doer has proclaimed the week of May 17-23, 2009 as National Public Works Week for the Province of Manitoba.

Noting that "it is in the public interest for the citizens and civic leaders of this country to gain knowledge of and to maintain a progressive interest in the public works needs and programs..," the Premier joins other Provinces in recognizing "public works infrastructure, facilities and services are of vital importance to the health, safety, and well-being of the people of this country."

A copy of the Proclamation is attached.

CPWA has been closely following the Government's stimulus program as it relates to investment in infrastructure. The Government has now announced the Guidelines that will be used in distributing the new $4 billion in stimulus funds targeted for infrastructure.

A link to the Infrastructure Canada website is provided below. The Guidelines, including eligible categories and criteria for projects, are detailed on this site:

The Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, has designated the week of May 17-23, 2009 as National Public Works Week.

The Proclamation urges all people of PEI to join with representatives of government agencies in activities and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to public works engineers and administrators and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to the national health and welfare.

A copy of the proclamation is attached.

In an open letter to Municipal Councils throughout Canada, Federation of Canadian Municipalities President Jean Perrault and Finance Minister John Baird provided an update to municipalities on the development and implementation of new federal infrastructure programs.

Included in this report is a message to municipalities on "what you can do" which outlines suggestions to access stimulus funding for infrastructure.

FCM and the Government of Canada have promised to continue to update municipalities on progress.

Use the attached link to access the letter:

With the 2009 CPWA/APWA National Public Works Week of May 17-23, 2009 fast approaching, CPWA encourages your municipality's involvement in celebrating National Public Works Week, May 17-23, 2009. National Public Works Week is celebrated throughout North America by both CPWA and APWA members and others involved in public works.

The purpose of CPWA National Public Works Week is to reach a wide audience with information about the crucial role that public works plays in the quality of community life. Equally important is promoting the choice of public works as a career choice for the working force of the future.

For 2009, we are embracing the theme of the campaign “Revitalize, Reinvest, Renew." This theme is especially relevant as investment in infrastructure plays a lead role in revitalizing the economy. There has never been a better time for your community to call attention to the role that public works plays on an ongoing basis in sustaining the health and vitality of our communities.

CPWA will once again host our National Public Works Week contest, accepting your community's summary submission in early July. The categories for submission and judging criteria (in English and French) for entries are attached. This year, we are introducing a "first time entrants" category as another incentive to join in the celebration. A "Call for Submissions" of your summary of activities will arrive at a later date.

Should you have questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact: Gail Clark at: gclark@apwa.net or at: 202-218-6732

You may find additional "how to" information on National Public Works Week on the APWA Website: National Public Works Week How-To Guide

Enjoy your National Public Works Week celebrations!

Paul Smeltzer
Chairman, National Public Works Week '09
Canadian Public Works Association

In a January 9, 2009 letter to Finance Minister Flaherty, Canadian Public Works Association President W. Gary Losier, P.Eng., said that CPWA supports the proposed increased investment in infrastructure as economic and job stimulus. In addition, CPWA sees a real opportunity for the budget to address investment in programs to build infrastructure and sustainability on a longer-term basis by promoting the use of proper asset management techniques.

See attached letter: